Jewish by religion or by culture?

Question

Could somebody explain the difference between someone called Jewish because they are of the Jewish religion, and someone who is called Jewish because that is their ancestory?

Lets say somebody is born Christian. I know it is possible to convert to Judaism. So if they do they are considered Jewish right?

What about people born Jewish who lose their faith? I think i have heard them refered to as 'non-practicing jews". It just that i dont know any Christians who lose the faith that a reffered to as 'non-practicing Christians'.

I mean no disrespect and i'm sure somebody will explain to me the big, simple piece that i am missing.

Answer 1

Judaism is the religion of the Jewish people, an ethnic group originating in Israelites of the ancient Middle East.

One may only be Jewish by ancestry. But anyone may practice Judaism. Your confusion arises because the words are often used interchangeably, though it is not technically correct.

Answer 2

You're born Jewish, if your mother is Jewish.... that's it. It's not a matter of faith or belief. Although there are so called "articles of faith"it all boils down to: If you're Jewish, you have been selected to have a set of commandments, which are more obligations than privleges. If you have been told about the commandments, but choose not to observe them, that's your problem. Christians sometimes convert to Judaism, but the tradition is that conversion is discouraged, actively discouraged so that only someone with a 'burning desire' can be persistent enough to go through with it. People who believe in one god do not need to accept Judaism, convert to it, or believe in it to be accepted by god. Let them do their own thing as long as they observe just 7 simple laws (the noahide laws). The jews have to observe 613 rules, which often are difficult to understand and require study and thoughtfulness. Early Christians were in fact, Jews and Christianity was a Jewish Sect until Paul opened it up to the uncircumsized.

Answer 3

Judaism is the religion, HEBREW is the race (and also the language, just to add more confusion!) A Judaist is a Jew, a Hebrew is Jewish. Israelite comes from Israel. "Jew" has become a common term for all so that Jew / Jewish is interchangeable.

I'm amazed at how many people I've met who think that all Americans are Christian simply because the U.S. is a "Christian nation", even if they are secular.

Answer 4

Jews are Jews by genealogy. By blood. They are the physical descendants of Abraham or a previous convert to Judaism.

A Jew can also be a convert from another faith. Although, as far as God is concerned, there is no difference between a physical Jew and a convert, many physical Jews hold converts in a small amount of disdain.

From the Jewish world-view, anyone who is not a Jew is a Gentile, which is the majority of Christians.

Hope this helps.

Answer 5

People who convert to Judaism are absolutely accepted 100 percent by the Jewish community. There is some argument whether or not they could become recognized as a Jew if they Immigrated to Israel (aliyah). Orthodox and Conservative conversions there is usually no problem. Its the more liberal forms where there might be a problem. Of course even a liberal reform converted Jew would be allowed to become an Israeli citizen, they just might not be recognized as an actual Jew. But yes, they are absolutely accepted and recognized as a Jew by the comunity. A lot of cases they are even applauded and looked very favorably upon for chosing to become a Jew

Answer 6

IMHO. someone could convert to Judaism and they will be "practicing the religion", but I don't think they would be considered or accepted as a REAL Jew by the Jewish community as the religion has an underlying culture and upbringing that goes along with the religion. (Just my own observation).

Answer 7

Only people born of Jewish decent can be considered true or fully Jewish in regards to the religion.

Converts to Judaism are called proselytes.

Answer 8

It is confusing. Judaism is a religion, and an ethnicity. Christianity began as a sect of Judaism, but expanded beyond Judaism.